Combustion-engine-starting device.



F. A. MILLS. COMBUSTIONl ENGINE STAFTING D EVICE.

APPLICATION FILED FEB.I7|1912.

F. A.vM|LLs-.` COMBUSTION ENGINE STARTING DEVICE.

F.'A. IVIILLS.

CUMBUSIION .ENGINE STARTING DEVICE..

-APPLICATION FILED FEB. I1, 191g. v

Patented July 18, 19m.

7sHEETs'-sHEET-3.

F. A. MILLS.

coMausTloN ENGINE STARTING DEVICE.l

APPLICATION FILED FEB. I7, |912.

F. A. MILLS.

coMBUsTloN ENGlNE STARTING DEVICE.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. l?, 19-12.

afented Ju1y18, 1916.

'7 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

y ??azcz'g @MM5 APPLICATION FILED FEB. I7. I9I2.

'Patented July 1,8; 1916 7 SHEETS-SHEET 6.

'II--M//P Zwemw- .F

rami/15 F. A. MILLS. I

COMBUSTION ENGINE STARTING DEVICE.

`APPLICATION FILED FEB. 17,1912.

Patented July 18, 1916.

ZSHEET'S--SHEET 7.

I UNITED 'sra'rns PATENT ormoni.

FRANCIS A. MILLS, OF LYNN, MASSACHUSETTS.

l QOMBUSTION -EN GINE-STARTING DEVICE.

Specification of. Letters Patent.

Patented July k'18, l191e.

Application filed February 17, 1912. Serial N o. 678,276.

To vall whom t may concern Be it known that I, FRANCIS A. MILLS, a citlzen of the United States, residing at Lynn, in the county of Essex and State ofA Massachusetts, have invented an Improvement in Combustion-Engine-Starting Devices, of which the following description, in connection with the accompanying dr'awings, is a specification, like letters on the drawings representing like parts.

The invention to be hereinafter described relates to starting devices for combustion engines and more particularly to that type of such devices 4wherein initiation of the engine action is eiected through manually operated means.

By those skilled in the thel art it is a well Y to turn suchl shaft the cylinder or vcylinders have been provided with pet cocks which could be opened during-the starting action and subsequently closed. By thus opening the pet cocks the compression stroke of the engine was relieved somewhat, but onv the other hand, and during the suction stroke air would rush into the combustion chamber and so far weaken the mixture drawnA through the carbureter as to lrender it inef- 1 fectual. With respect to the second of the above reasons, namely :-the danger attendingV the manual eifort, it is well understood that at times the engine, instead of turning forward or in the direction proposed by the manual eiiort, will, upon ignition of the mixture, turn in the opposite direction or give a back kick with the result that the' operative may be injured. This may be due to one or more of several causes, as for instance the spark being too far advanced, in which case the combustionmixture becomes ignited before the piston reaches the end of its compression orup stroke in ,which case the engine will be moved backward or kick back. This improper -action of the engine has been the cause of muchvobjection to-its use, and has resulted in serious injuries.

lVitli the above facts in mind the aims and purposes of the present invention will best bemade clear from the following description and accompanying drawings lof one form of means for carrying the inven- 't1on` into practical effect, 1t being understood that the invention is not limited to the details of the said means but in'its'true scope is definitely pointed out by the claims.

It is also to be understood that while in the following description and accompanying drawings the invention is associated with the combustion engine of an automobile, it is not restricted'y thereto, but may be employed in connection with any' combustion engine to whichl it may be adapted, as for instance that of a motor boat, flying-machine or even a stationary motor, so that in the following explanation and claims,where reference is made be understood that the term `is one for convenient description only,'and not of limitation.

In the drawings: Figure l is a side elevation of a portion. of an automobile showing the present invention applied thereto, some of the parts being broken away toillustrate the structure beyond. Fig. 2 is an end view of the automobile' looking at the front. Fig.

toan automobile, it is' to' 3 is a detail detached view showing a form of casing to protect certain of the parts. Fig. 4 is an enlarged detail viewof portions of the starting device, some of the parts being broken away. Fig. 5 is an under side view of the partsshown by Fig. 4., the bell crank levers and .their connections -being omitted. Fig. 6 is a detached view showing details of the starting device, some of the parts being broken away. Fig. 7' is a section on the line 7-7 (Fig. 4). Fig. 8 is an enlarged detached detail size, showing engagement device with the starting"v clutch member. Fig,.9 is a view on enlarged scale, of the practically full of the i starting dashboard as it appears looking from the v the seat of the operative. Fig. 10 is a section of the ball check valve in the auxiliary supply. Fig. Il is a section showing'the three way cock on the auxiliary supply.

Fig. l2 is a section vof afball valve inthe 'auxiliary supply. Fig. 13 is a view similar to 'that of Fig. 8, showing-the relation between the teethof the starting member and the clutch member when they do not directly engage as is Fig. 8. Fig. 14 is an enlarged View showing one cylinder, the pet cock operating device and starting rod with their associated parts. Fig, 15 is a section on the line 15--15 (Fig. `14). Fig. 16 is a front elevation of the dashboard looking from the front of the machine. Fig. 17 -is a view similar to Figs. 8 and 13, with the parts in another position,v vand Fig. 18 is a View iii-section of the ball valve and connections leading from the tank to the pump and auxiliary supply.

The automobile body 1 may be of any character and suitably sustained by the usual front' and rear wheels, only the front wheels 2, 2, beingpshown in the drawings. 'Fhe/ wheels 2f, v2, ylare mounted upon the lisual axle 3, and are connected to the 'usual steering wheel 4 by which the vehicle "may be guided; but as these features, as well as ,the mounting of the rear wheels and their kdriving connection to the engine, are well understood in the art, and form no essential part of the present invention, further detaildescription and illustration thereof are -unnecessary. y

In Fig. 1the seat on wh'fch/ the operative may sit is indicated at 5, an y,f the hand levers 6 and 7 which are within/'convenient reach are or may {be connected respectively to the transmission and emergepcy brake, but as 'such constrilctions form 'nb part of the in' vention and are well understood by-those skilled in the art, further-explanation is not required. l

The engine A (rig. 1|), which is of the combustion type, is shown as comprising four cylinders, 8, 9, 10 and 11, preferably of the well-known four cycle type, each of which is connected to a source of fuel supply, suchfor instance, as gasolene, which is furnished each cylinder in the usual manner through a carbureter in answer to the suc- `tion stroke of the respective pistons. Thesev features, as well-as the valves and spark plugs or other ignition means may be all as usual or of any preferred type.

Extending longitudinally below the cylinders 8, 9, 10 and 11 is the engine or crank-l shaft to which the pistons may be connected in any usual manner as by the ordinary piston rods, the forward end of said sha-ft being indicated at l2 (F ig. 7). The engine bed or casing 13 (Fig. 7) furnishes av support 14 for the projecting end of the shaft 12, and to this end is provided with al bearing 15. The end of the shaft 12 adjacent this bearing 15 is connected to one member of a clutch B, (Fig. 7). As one convenient form for such connection the end of the shaft 12 is preferably reduced in diameter and formedtapering as at 16 (Fig. 7), and to such tapering end of the shaft is securedto rotate therewith the hub 17 of the clutch member 18 by means of the key or spline 19. Secured to the clutch member 18 by suitable means, such for instance as the screw threads 20, is the hollow stud or arm 21 having the collar 22 and pin 23, the construction being such that, if desired, a crank handle or arm may be employed to turn the engine or crank shaft 12 under some conditions.

Passing through the hollow stud or arm 21 is a pin24 which may be screw-threaded into the end of the shaft 12, as at 25, and having a washer 26 and head 27 whereby the clutch member 18 may be conveniently held from end-wise movement while being rotatable with the shaft 12. While the described construction furnishes a convenient means for maintaining the described parts in their desired relation, it is to be understood that the invention is not restricted thereto, and that this relation of the parts may be maintained by a device other than described vand yet be fully within the invention as defined by the claims.

' The clutch B may be variously formed, but the following has beeny found to be a good practical form, because while the members may be readly locked for rotation in` unison, they may be as readily unlocked, las will presently appear. The clutch member 18, which may be conveniently termed the fixed. clutch member, is provided at one o r more points about its periphery, .with a recess 28, (Figs. 4, 8 and 17), of greater depth at one end than the other and forming a seat for a ball or roller 29, normally under the action of a spring 30 tending to move the roller or ball toward the smaller end of the recess, a hardened metal plate 31 being preferably employed at the bottom of said recess. This recess 28 extends from its larger to its smaller depth in the direction of rotation of the engine, or crank shaft 12 and 'perforce of the fixed clutch 18 when the engine is in operation, as indicated by the arrow (Figs. 4, Sand 17).

Loosely mounted upon or about the periphery of the ixed clutch member 18 is the loose clutch member 32, preferably confined in place by the face plates 33, (Figs. 4 and 7 secured to the sides of the fixed clutch member, and having the inner'surface 34 of said loose clutch member plane or substantially smooth, (as indicated in Figs. 4, 8

arrows, as will be readily understood. Rotative movement otl the fixed clutch member 18 in a direction opposite to the said arrows will, similarly, cause a backward movement in the same direction of the loose clutch member 32.

The clutch member 32 is provided with a series of teeth 35 which are adapted to be engaged by the teeth of a starting actuator as will presently appear.V From the construction described, it will be apparent that upon movement of the loose clutch member 32, which for identification may be hereinafter denominated the'toothed clutch member, in the direction of the arrow (Figs. 4, 8 and 17), said toothed clutch member will be locked temporarily to the xed clutch member and cause rotative movement thereof and of the crank shaft in the same direction.

Mounted upon or depending from the main-frame of the. machine and preferably supported therefrom by the braces 36, (Fig. 4), is an actuator support 37 extended transversely lot' the crank shaft. Mounted upon the support 37 is the start-ing actuator comprising two members which are relatively and conjointly movable longitudinally on the said support. These two members of the starting actuator may be variously arranged with respect to each other, but as shown in the present form of the invention .the lower member 38 of the actuator is adapted to slide on .the support 37 in a longitudinal direction or transversely of the crank shaft, and to maintain said lower member 38 upon the support 37, and restrainit from bodily upward movement with respect thereto the side portion 39 of the support 37 is provided with a flange 40 which overlies a shoulder 41 extending longitudinally of the member 38, as indicated in Fig. 7. The lower member 38 of the actuator is provided with a series of inclines 42 which are adapted to engage similarly inclined portions 43 on the upper member 44 of the actuator, the construction being such that upon relative movement of the upper and lower members of the actuator the upper member 44 will be caused to rise or move bodily away from the lower member 38.

The upper member 44 of the actuator 1s provided with a series of teeth 45 which are adapted to engage the teeth 35 of the toothed clutch member 32 when the said member 44 of the actuator is thus relatively moved with respect to the lower member 38, as indicated in Figs. 4, 8 and 13. For convenience of identification, 'the upper member 44 of the actuator will hereinafter be referred to as the toothed lmember of -th'e"actuator.

Connected to the toothed member of the actuator at 46, (Figs. 4 and 6), is a link 47 jointed at 48 'to the arm 49-projecting from a sleeve 50 supported upon a stud 51 which is itseltl securely clamped to a bracket 52 fast to the main frame The stud 51 is preferably screw-threaded as indicated in Fig. 4 and the sleeve 50 is held thereto and in operative' position by means of suitable nuts 54 and 55. Also projecting from the sleeve 50 is an arm 56 connected at 57 to a rod 58, (Fig. l), which is itself connected at 59 to a starting lever 60 pivoted at 61 to a bracket G2 depending from the lnain frame or other convenient iiked support. The sleeve 50 and its associated arms 49 and 56 constitute a bell crank lever operatively connected to the starting lever 60 by the rigid connection 58, the construction being such' that upon movement of the starting lever 60 about vits fulcrum 61 the rod 58 and, perforce, t-he toothe'd member of the actuator will be given corresponding movement.

It will be noted that the engaging inclines 42 and 43 of the two members of the actua- .tor are so disposed with reference to each other Vthat upon movementof the toothed member of the actuator to the left, (Figs. 4, 6, 8 and 17), the toothed member of the actuator will ride upward thereby bringing its teeth 45 into operative engagement with the teeth 35 of the toothed member or wheel 32 of the clutch. After such engagement has been effected, as indicated in Figs. 6 and 8, further bodily upward movement of the toothed member is arrested, whereupon further movement of the actuating lever 60 to the left will cause the two members of the actuator to be moved in unison thereby while maintaining the teeth of the actuator in operative engagement with the teeth of the loose clutch member, causing by the conjoint movement of.the two members of the actuator, 'rotativey movement of the loose clutch member and throughthe clutching devices hereinafter described, a corresponding movement of the. fixedeclutch member and the crank shaft. L

The described movement takes place on movement of the actuating' lever 60 to the left (Fig. 1), and upon reverse movement of the actuating lever 60, that is tothe right, (Fig. 1), the toothed' member of the actuator will first move to the right relatively to the second member of the actuator, and by virtue of the inclines 42 and 43 it will -simultaneously move downward out of engagement with the teeth 35 of the toothed clutch member until the abrupt portions of the inclines 42 and 43 become engaged, whereupon, both the toothedand lower members of the actuator will move conjointly to the right. j.

Should the combustion engine produce-a back kick. while moving the actuating lever 6() to the left, (Fig. 1), it will cause the toothed member 44 of the actuator to move la short distance longitudinally and down the the loose clutch member 82.

jection 64 adapted to engage a similar hook or projection 65 on the toothed member of the actuator when said members have been relatively moved the desired extent. The part 63 also serves as a means for maintaining the two members of the actuator in their assembled relation, and this may be further augmented by the projection (3G, (Fig. 6), on the lower member of the actuator engag ing a recess G7 of appropriate shape and extent on the toothed member of the actuator.

l/Vhile the construction of the two parts ot' the actuator as hereinbefore described, is

found to be a good'practical embodiment of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these details.

As hereinbefore pointed out, the two members of the actuator are relatively and conjointly movable longitudinally and during such relative movement the toothed member is caused to engage suitable connectionswith thecrank shaft to become operatively engaged therewith, whereupon the conjoint movement of the two members takes place longitudinally and rotative movement is thereupon imparted to the crank shaft. In such construction, it is desirable that the lower memberI of the actuator be restrained from free longitudinal movement and to this end the invention contemplates the provision of means to retard its movement. As one convenient form of means to this end, the lower member 38 of the actuator is provided with teeth 68` along one of its sides, as indrcated in Figs. 5 and 7, said teeth being enn gaged by the teeth of a rotary friction disk 69 mounted upon a stud 70 projecting from a fixed part 71 of the main frame, as indicated in Fig. 5. The disk 69 is preferably rovided with friction material 72, such as felt or the like, upon which bears `a friction piece 73, (Fig. 7), mounted upon the stem 7 O and normally under the action of a spring' 74 interposed between the said piece and a hand'wheel 75, (Fig. 7 screw-threaded tov the said stem. A cotter pin 76 passed through the end of the stem serves as a guard against the loss of parts, should they become loose.

From the construction described, it will be apparent that owing to the fact, in part at least, that the lower member 38 of the actuator is restrained from free' longitudinal movement, it will remain stationary during the first part of the longitudinal movement of the toothed member ot' the actuator, or until said toothed member has engaged the loose member of the clutch, whereupon said toothed member being` no longer free to move bodily away from the lower member, said lower member ther. partakes of the movement of the toothed member, and said members then. move in unison to effect rotary movement of the clutch. i

Referring to Fig. 13 it will be noted that the teeth 35 ot' the loose clutch member 33 have their end portions chamfered off or eut away as at 77.` the construction being such that when the said teeth are inposition to be engaged by the teeth of the actuator, their surfaces 77 are .substantially parallel to the top surfaces of the teeth of the actuator. By virtue of this fact, should the teeth 4:5 of the actuator engage the ends of the teeth during the independent movement of the toothed member of the actuator, the bodily rising movement 'of the actuator will be temporarily restrained, whereupon the toothed member and lower member of the actuator will move in unison until the teeth of the actuator pass into the space between the teeth of the loose clutch member, at which time the toothed member of the actuator is aain free to move bodily away from the lower member and will thus move independently of the lower member to cause the desired engagement of the teeth of the actuator and loose clutch member, whereupon both members of the actuator will again move in unison to cause rotative movement of the crank shaft.

-Upon manual manipulation of a combustion engine to effect starting, much effort is needed unless some form of relief is provided for the cylinder or cylinders during the compression stroke. On the other hand, however, during the suction stroke the relief valve or valves should be closed, otherwise a poor mixture will be drawn into the cylinder or. cylinders by reason ofthe inrush of air through such valve or valves. Moreover, the relief valve or valves should be opened upon operation of the starting device and should be closed after the engine has been effectively started, while at the same time such relief valves should be so devised that upon compression stroke little opposition will be offered the piston, while on suction stroke the ingress of air through. the relief valves into the cylinders. should be prevented. The present invention, contemplates features whereby the desired re.

suits are effected through actuation of the starting device, as will be explained.

Since the parts associated with each cylinder may be alike, it will be sufficient to refer to one only, as indicated in Fig. 14.

from an upright or other The cylinder 8 has connected thereto a relief valve or pet cock, and as one form thereof there is leading into the cylinder at the top portion thereof, an inlet 78 projecting form of tube 79, as best indicated by Figs.14 and 15.

Projecting from the tube 79 is the tube 80 having at its upper portion thepet cock This pet cock 81;maybe preferably formed as a stem having an opening 82 and passing transversely through the upper portion of the tube 80, said opening 82 being adapted to register at times -with an opening 83 (Fig-15) at the top of the tube 80. F romV the construction so far described, it will be apparent that when the pet cock 81 or other form of valve is turned in one direction by means of the attached arm 84, the openings `82 and 83 will be brought into alinement and when turned in the opposite direction they will be closed to the passage of air or gas therethrough.

At the top of the tube 80. there is a seat 85 (Figs. 14 and 15) for a ball valve 86 which is retained loosely upon its seat to prevent loss of the ball valve, by a guard 87 which projects over and above the ball 86. The part 79, hereinbefore referred to, (see Figs. 14 and 15) has connected at its lower end a tube 88, communication between I said tube 88 and the part 79 being controlled by the ball valve 89, las best shown by Fig. 15.

yFrom the construction described as one form of the present invention, it will be apparent that if the pet cock 81 be opened to establish communication between the passageways 82 and 83, and the crank shaft of the engine be then turned, that upon the upstroke of the piston, which is the conipression stroke, air or gas can readily pass through the pet cock and 'thus relieve the compression that would otherwise occur. On the down or suction stroke of the piston, howevejr, the ball 86 will be seated upon thev seat 85 and effectively close the passageways 82 and 83 against ingress of air to the: cylinder, with the result that the chargev of' mixture sucked into the Cylinder bythe down stroke of the vpiston will. be of the desired rich character and be not weakened by suporiiuous air. Thus, also, on the upstroke of the piston the power necessary to turn the crank shaft is lessened and more free hand manipulation of the starting device is thus effected.

The present invention contemplates that the above action 'of the relief valve or .pet cock be secured by vmovement of. the starting device or its actuating meansand to. this r und the ar1n'84 of the pet cock is' connected to a rod 90 (Fig. 14), it being understood4 that the rod'90 may extend along the entire sein-sof cylinders and be connected to the arm of each pet cock or relief Valve".v 'The ing the starting device the of the machine. j

Pivoted to a bracket 94 projecting forposition to be conveniently wardly 'from the dashboard 92 (Fig. 14) as' at 95, is a lever 96 the upper end of which is connected at 97 to ,the relief valve operating rod 90. At its lower end the lever 96 is provided with a slot 98 which engages a pin 99 on an arm 100 secured to a rock shaft 101, (Figs. 14 and 16). Secured to the rock shaft 101 and projecting downwardly therefrom is a bifurcated or forked arm 102, carrying on its arm or bifurcated portion 103 a trip 104 mounted on apin 105 and having its lower end 10Q projecting into the path of movement of a stop 107 secured to the starting rod 58, (Fig. 14). The trip 104 is nor? mally under the infiuence of a spring 108 which maintains it substantially in the position indicated with its upper end resting against the adjusting screw 109.. The other end o r forked arm 110 extends downwardly into a position to be engagedby'the stop "107 when the rod 58'is moved to the right, (Fig. 14), the construction being such that upon movement of the actuating lever 60 to the left, (Fig. 1), and consequent similar movement to the starting rod 58, theistop 107 will contact with the trip 104, turning the shaft 101 and with it the the lever 96 will move the relief valve operating rod in a direction to open such valves, so that upon manual manipulation of the starting device the relief valves or, pet cocks are opened in the manner hereinbefore stated to minimize the manual power necessary to turnthe. engine or crank shaft.

-After the engine has been started, the starting lever 60 may trip and vengage the arm 110 and close the relief'valves or pet cocks. Thus on operat-j relief' valves or p et cocks are yalso operated toefl'ect the Adeslred ease of movement of the engine and,

-a-fterA the engine has been started and the starting device is moved in the opposite direction, the relief valves or pet cocks will be 1 closed for power at the actuation of the engine. `Als o .during hand-'manipulation to start the eng`ine,the peculiar form of relief valve and itsass'ociated ball valve will permit release of compression during the compression stroke of the engine, Abut prevent ingress of air A`during the suction stroke.

Not only are the above-'stated conditions of the relief valve' and starting device desirable orv essential in thePI'OPeP manuel direction, at which timearm which, through' starting of a combustion engine, but the ignition or sparking device should, during hand manipulation of the engine, be retarded; that-is the charge in the cylinder should not be ignited until after the piston may be substantially neglected onnaccount of the automatic disengagementof the actuator and clutch on occurrence of such rtback -kick, yet the present invention also contemplates retardation of the spark or ignition device during and by virtue of the -movement of the manual starting device.

To these ends the shaft 101 has loosely mounted thereon, a depending arm 111, (Figs. 14 and 16) which is connected by the rod 112, (Figs. 14 and 16), to the magneto controlling device -113 (see Fig. 1), said controlling device'f1`13 being likewise connected by the rod 114 to the usual switch or hand-piece 115, (Fig. 1) convenient for the operative.

Secured to the shaft 101 as by the set screw 116, (Fig. 16) is an varm 117 having an end 118 embracing the depending arm 111, hereinbefore described, the construction being such that upon the actuation of the starting lever 60, (Fig. 1), by movement thereof to the left and the consequent similar movement of the lstarting rod 58, the shaft 101 will turned clock-wise (Fig. 14), thereby moving the arm 117 in a similar direction and moving the rod 112 connected to the sparking device to the left, (Fig. 14), thereby retarding the spark.

From the construction thus far described, it will be apparent that, upon actuation of the starting lever 60 not only are the relief valves or pet-cocks of the cylinders opened and the engine shaft given a manual turning movement, but the sparking device is by the same movement of the starting lever retarded to thereby guard against premature ignition of the mixture in the cylinder, and by the loose mountingof the arm 111, (Figs. 14 and 16) upon the shaft 101 the sparking device still remains under free cont-rol of the hand operated lever 115 after the starting device has effected proper operation of the ngine and been returned to its former posiion.

It is sometimes desirable in combustion engines, to prime the cylinders, or inject4 thereinto a small quantity of the fuel, and to this end the present ,invention contemplates ythe provision of an auxiliary fuel supply during the suction stroke. the desired supplyofwfuel provided the operative previously manipulates means permitting this suction action of the engine upon the auxiliary supply. l

As hereinbefore noted the part 7 9 of the relief valve connection with the cylinder is connected to a pipe 88 normally closed by the ball valve 89, (Fig. 15). This pipe and its connections constitute the auxiliary fuel supply, hereinbefore mentioned, and to this end are maintained full of liquid fuel, as Will now be described.

Extending from the fuel tank 119, (Fig. 1), which may contain any suitable liquid fuel, such as gasolene, is a pipe 120 leading to the carbureter as usual, and connected to said pipe at 121, (Fig. 1) is a pipe or conduit 122, (Figs. 1, 14 and 16) which leads about the front of the dashboard 92, (Fig. 16) through the double ball check valve 123, and then by a pipe 124, (Figs. 14 and 16 and 9)'v to a hand pump 125 in convenient position on the dashboard or other suitable location. i

The double ballcheck valve 123 yis best shown by Fig. 18, wherein the two balls 126 and 127 are disposed one each side of the pipe 124 leading to the pump, the construction being such that upon the suction stroke of the pump, liquid ,fuel will pass through the pipe 122, lift the ball 126 and pass into the pipe 124, the ball 127 at such times remaining on lits seat and on the expelling force of the pump,the ball 126 will be seated and the ball 127 lifted to permit the liquid to pass into a pipe 128 to the front of the dashboard 92, (Figs. 9 and 14). The pipe 128, (Figs. 9 and 11) connects with a pipe .129 by a three way cock 130, (Figs. 11) having a handle 131, (Figs. 9 and 14). Connected to the pipe is a ball valve 132 (Fig. 10) which is normally held to its seat by a spring plunger 133, the eifectiif'e force of the spring being adjustable by means of the sleeve 134 screw-threaded to the plunger chamber 135. The fuel after passing the ball valve 132 passes into the' pipe 136 leading to the front of the dashboard 92 (Figs. 12 and 16), where it then passes a second ball valve into the auxiliary supply pipe 138, (Figs. 12, 14 and 16), which is connected by pipes 88, as before described to each of the cylinders.

From the construction described, it will be noted that if the three way cock 130 be turned clock-wise (Fig. 11) to connect pipes 128 and 129 and the pump 125 be operated, liquid fuel will be drawn from the tank 119 (Fig. 1), on the upstroke of the pump and forced through the ball valves described into the auxiliary supply pipe 138 to fill the same. If now the three 'way cock b e turned to close. communication between the pipes 128 and 129 by a contra-clockwise movement to brlng the solid part of the valve opposite three 'apparent that the v`not draw fuel from the lduced in the auxiliary the opening leading to pipe 129, it Will be suction of the engine canauXiliary supply on account of the vacuum supply.' ever, upon starting the engine by hand, the dicated by Fig. 11, air will be permitted to pass into the auxiliary supply and thus allow the engine suction to draw a supply of liquid fuel.

Inasmuch as the supply of fuel drawn to the engine on the first few strokes through the carbureter is small as compared With the amount of airfurnished, the additional fuel drawn from the auxiliary supply. at such times, in the manner described, will enrichen the mixture andl form a proper mixture for effective combustion. The spring lseated balll valve 132, (Fig. 10), will control the amount offuel by regulating the force necessary to lift the said Valve effectively prevent back-pressure by the en* gine through the aiiliary supply.

In order to protect the starting device from dust and dirt a hood 140, (Figs. 2 and 3), may be employed to incase the same.

While the invention has'` been described With respect to certain details for carrying it into practical effect, said details constitute only one form or embodiment of the invention, and it 1s to be understood that these details may be modified and varied in form and character Without departing from the true scope of the invention.

What I claim is 1. In a combustion engine, the combination of a crank shaft, a toothed Wheel adapted to be clutched to said crank shaft, an actuator for said toothed Wheel comprise ing a longitudinally movable rack-bar eX- tending transversely of the cra'nk shaft, means for positively moving the rack-bar longitudinally, and means for causing the rack-bar to move into engagement with the toothed Wheel as saidbar is movedlongitudinally in one direction and to be automati- Vcally disengaged from4 the toothed Wheel and free the latter when movement ofthe rackbar is reversed at any point of its traverse by reverse rotation of said toothed wheel.

In a combustion engine, the combination of a crank shaft, a toothed Wheel adapted to be clutched to said crank shaft when turned in one direction, an actuator for said toothed Wheel for tion, said actuator comprising a rack-bar extending transversely of the crank shaft, means for positively moving the rack-bar longitudinally in both directions, a sliding member, and connections `between the sliding member and rack-,bar forv causing the rack-bar to engage and operate the toothed Wheel when the rack-bar is moved by said that would be pro-v If, how# Way cock be turned into the position init Will be seen that and the several ball valves Will conj ointly sha-ft in one direction turning it in said direc-- means longitudinally in one direction and to be. automatically disengaged from said toothed Wheel and free the latter when movement of the rack-bar is reversed at any point of its traverse by said toothed Wheel.

In a 'combustion engine, the combinationof a crank shaft, a toothed Wheel for turning said crank shaft, an actuator for said toothed Wheel comprising a toothed,

member and a second member, said members being bodily movable relatively and con- ]olntly transversely of the crank shaft,

means for causing the toothed member to engage the toothed wheel as said member is moved bodily transversely of the crank shaft.

In a combustion engine, the -combination of a crank shaft, a toothed Wheel for turning said crank shaft, an actuator for said toothed Wheel comprising a toothed member and a second member, said members being bodily movable relatively and transversely of the crank shaft, means for causing theitoothed member to engage the toothed Wheel as said member is moved bodily transversely of the crank relatively to the sec# ond member and to move out of engagement from said toothed wheel when moved bodily transversely of the crank shaft in the' opposite direction, and means for retarding free bodily transverse movement of the second member'.l

5. In a combustion engine, the combination of a crank shaft7 a toothed Wheel for turning said shaft, a rack-bar longitudinally movable transversely of the crank shaft, means'for positively moving saidrack bar. longitudinally in both directions, a second bar also movable longitudinally transtransvcrsely of the crank o lshaft in one direction relatively to the secverselyof the crank shaft said bars having inclined engaging surfaces for causing the rack bar-to engage the toothed ivheel when moved longitudinally in one direction b v its actuating means and to be disengaged.from

and free said. toothed Wheel ivhennioved inan opposite direction either b v said operating means or by reverse rotation of said toothed Wheel.

'6. In a combustion tion lof a crank shaft,

engine. the combinaa toothed i'vhccl for 'turning said shaft, a toothedrackbarbodily slidable'longitudinally in a direction transversely of the crank shaft. a second bar also bodily slidable transversely of the crank shaft, said bars having inclined engaging surfaces,.means connected to the first nicnturning said shaft, a toothed rack bar bodily slidable longitudinally in a direction transversely ofthe crank shaft, a second bar also bodily slidable transversely of the crank shaft, said barsl having inclined engaging surfaces, and means connected to the first 'mentioned bar to move said bars bodily transversely of the crank shaft.

. 8. In an automobile, the combination of the crank shaft, a clutch for operating said shaft having a toothed Wheel, a'sliding rack bar-at one side of the axis of the crank shaft and having teeth for engaging said toothed Wheel, a second bar, said bars having inclined engagingv surfaces, means operative from the drivers seat for positively moving the rack bar bodily transversely of the crank shaft and relative to the second bar and to then move both of said bars bodily transversely ofthe crank shaft.

9. In an automobile, the combination of the crank shaft, a clutch for operating said shaft having a'toothed Wheel, a sliding rack bar at one side of the axis of the crank shaft and having teeth for engaging said toothed Wheel, a second bar, said bars having inclined engaging surfaces, means operative from the drivers seat for positively moving the rack bar bodily transversely of the crank shaft and relative to the second bar and to then move both of said bars bodily transversely of the crank shaft, and means for retarding free bodily movement of the said second bar.

10. In a ,combust1on'engme, the combination of a crank shaft, a clutch for operating said shaft having a toothed wheel, an actuator for said clutch comprising a toothed member and a second member, said members being relatively and conjointly movable bodily transversely of the crank shaft, means for causing the toothed member to engage the tooth" clutch wheel when said member is moved bodily relatively to Y' the second member in one direction transversely of the crank shaft, means for thus relatively moving said toothed member and then moving both of said members bodily transversely of the crank shaft to operate the clutch and crank shaft, said rst-named slide member, said members having reversely inclined engaging surfaces, means for bodily sliding the toothed slide member transversely of the crank shaft and relative to the second slide member to engagethe toothed slide member with the toothed Wheel of the clutch, and means for guiding the bodily sliding movement of said toothed slide member transversely of the crank shaft.

l2. In a mechanical starter for combustion engines, the combination of a clutch having a toothedWheel, the teeth of which are champered away at the top, and an actuator comprising a rack-bar and a sliding member both of which are longitudinally movable, means for ypositively moving the rack-bai' longitudinally, and connections between the rack-bar and sliding member causing the rack-bar when operated in one direction by said means tov engage and operate the toothed Wheel and to become automatically disengaged from operative connection with said toothed wheel at any pointin the traverse of the rack-bar when moved in the reverse direction.

13. In a mechanical starter for combustion engines, the combination of a' crankshaft, a toothed wheel adapted to be operatively conneeted With said crank-shaft, an actuator for said toothed Wheel comprising a rack-bar 44 and a slide member 38 both longitudinally movable transversely of the crank-shaft, means for positively moving the rack-bar longitudinally transversely of the crank-shaft and with respect to the slide member 38 in one direction to cause the rack-bar 44 to engage the toothed Wheel, and means for causing the rack-bar to become disengaged from and to free the toothed wheel upon Wheel-induced movement of the rack-bar in the opposite direction.

14. In a mechanical starter for automobiles, thecombination of a crank shaft, a toothed Wheel adapted to be operatively engaged therei'vith, a bar having rack teeth and extending transversely of the crank shaft, a second bar also extending tra-nsversely of the crank shaft, a. guide for said' bars at one side of the axis of the crank shaft and extending` transversely thereto, means operative from the drivers seat for positively movingsaid bars relatively and conjointly transversely of the crank shaft, and means for causing the teeth of the rack bar to engage the toothed Wheel when the bars are moved relatively in one direction and for disengaging and freeing the toothed wheel upon Wheel-induced movement of the rack-bar longitudinally in the oppositesdirection.

l5. In an automobile, the combination of a crank shaft, a toothed Wheel adapted to be operatively connected torsaid shaft, a 13e guide eXtending transversely of the machine frame, a rack bar extending transversely of the machine frame and having teeth adapted to engage said toothed wheel, a second bar also extending transversely of the machine frame, said bars being movable transversely of the machine frame and directed in-such movement by said guide, means for positively moving said bars relatively and conjointly from the drivers seat, and means to cause the teeth of the rack bar to engage l the toothed wheel when said bars are moved relatively lengthwise inone direction, and' the machine frame and having teeth adapted to engage said toothed Wheel, a second bar also extending transversely of the machine frame, said bars being movable transversely of the machine frame and directed in such movement by said guide, means for positively moving said bars relatively and conjointly from the drivers seat, means to cause the teeth of the rack bar to engage the toothed wheel when said bars are moved relatively lengthwise in one direction and to then move conjointly lengthwise to operate said toothed wheel, and means to retard free lengthwise movement of. said second bar.

17. In an automobile, the combination of the crank shaft, a toothed wheel operatively connected to said shaft, a guide extending transversely of the machine frame at one side of the axis of said shaft, a rack bar having teeth adapted to engage said toothed wheel, av second bar, said bars extending transversely of the machine frame and sustained by said guide,l means for confining the said second bar to lengthwise movement, connections between saidbars permitting the rack bar to move lengthwise and toward and from said second bar, and means for positively moving said rack bar lengthwise.

18.A In an automobile, the combination of a crank or engine shaft, a toothed Wheel operatively connected to said shaft to rotate the same in one direction, a rack bar having teeth adapted to engage the toothed Wheel and movable bodily lengthwise transversely of the crank shaft, means operative from.

the drivers seat for positively moving said rack bar lengthwise 1n either directions, and means actlng upon Initial movement of the rack bar lengthwise to engage the teeth.

thereof with the toothed wheel and upon reverse movement `of the toothed wheel at 4any lpoint in the traverse of the rack-bar to disengage the toothed wheel and rackbar. f

19. In an automobile, the combination of a crank or engine shaft, a toothed wheel operatively connected to said shaft to rotate the same in one direction, the teeth of said wheel being chamfered or cut away at the top, a rack bar having teeth adapted to engage the toothed wheel and movable bodily lengthwise transversely of thecrankfshaft, means operative fromthe drivers seat for positively moving said rack bar lengthwise in either directions, and means acting upon initial movement of the rack bar lengthwise to engage the teeth thereof with the toothed wheel and upon further movement of the rack barlengthwise to turn said wheel, and

operating upon reverse movement of the.

toothed wheel at any point in the 'traverse of the rack-bar todisengage the toothed wheel and rack-bar. l

20. In a combustion engine, the combination of the crank shaft, a clutch associated therewith and having a toothed wheel, an actuator-formed of two lengthwise movable bars, one of said bars being movable in a longitudinal direction only, a friction device to restrain free longitudinal movement of said bar, the other of said bars being provided with teeth and movable longitudi- ,Y

nally with relation to and also conjointly with said frst-nained bar, means for causing the toothed bar to move bodily toward the toothed wheel and on restraint of said bodily movement to move longitudinally with the said iirst-named bar, and means for operating said bars.

21. In a combustion engine, the combination of a crank shaft, a clutch having a toothed wheel, an actuator comprising two independently and conjointly movable sliding members, one of said members being restrained for lengthwise movement only in a direction transversely of the crank shaft, and the other of said members having a lengthwise movement independent of the first-named member, and provided with teeth, means for causing said toothed member to move in a direction away from said rst-named member when moved lengthwise independentthereof in one direction to engage the toothed wheel, and to move in a direction. toward the first-named member when moved lengthwise independent thereof in the Aopposite direction, and means for moving the toothedl member and through-it the first-named member.

22. In `a combustion engine, the combination of a crank shaft, a clutch associated therewith for rotating said shaftin one direction, a compound slidable actuator for aid clutch comprising a rack-bar and a slide ar, rack-bar operating means for positively esiprocating said rack-bar, and connections :ct-Ween the rack-bar and slide-bar for causing'the rack-bar to be operatively connected with the clutch upon positive movement of the rack-bar in one direction by said means and to be automatically disengaged from operative connection with the clutch at any point in the traverse of the rack-bar by reverse rotation of said clutch. A

23. ln a combustion engine, the combination of a crank shaft, a clutch associated therewith for rotating said shaft in one direction, a compound slidable actuator for said clutch comprising a' rack-bar' and a slide-bar, rack-bar operating means for positively reciprocating said rack-bar, connections between the rack-bar and slide-bar for causing the rack-bar to be operatively connected. with the clutch upon positive movement of the rack-bar in one direction by said means4 and to be automatically disengaged from operative connection with the clutch at any point in the traverse of the rack-bar by reverse rotation of said clutch, and a guide for supporting the slide-bar and directing the longitudinal movements of the slide-bar and rack-bar.

24. In a combustion engine, the combination of an engine shaft, a guideway extending transversely of said shaft, a sliding actuator movable in said guideway, including a longitudinally movable rack-bar, operating means for positively moving the rack-bar longitudinally, means acting as the rack-bar is moved longitudinally in one direction to cause said rack-bar to be operatively engaged with the engine shaft and acting to cause operative disengagement of the rackbar and engine shaft at any point in the' traverse of the rack-bar upo'nengin'e shaft induced movement of the rack-bar in the the actuator and means operated manually l for positively moving said slldmg actuator lengthw e in either direction.

26. In an automobile, the combihationof ta `a crank orv engine shaft, a toothed why el.

operatively related thereto to turn said shaft' in one direction, amack bar having teeth to engage andopera'te said toothed wheel, a lever operative from the drivers seat, positive connectionsbetween said lever and said rack bar for positively moving it lengthwise transversely of the crank shaft, a fixed guide extending transversely of the crank-shaft, a slide confined to longitudinal movement in said guideway, cooperating inclines between the rack-bar and slide to cause the teeth of the rack-bar to engage the toothed wheel as the rack-baris positively moved in one direction by its operating lever and acting to .freethe rack-bar from operative engagement with the toothed wheel upon toothed wheel-induced movement of the rack-bar in the opposite direction. l

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification, in the presence of two subscribing witnesses, n

t FRANCIS ARTHUR MILLS. Witnesses: i

CHARLES W. MoDnRMo'rT, BEATRICE I. SMITH.A

@epics of this patent may 'be` obtained for ve cents each, 'by addressing the Commissioner of Patents,

' Washington, D. C1 

